From Overtime Glory to Oval Divide: When Team USA Splits at the State of the Union

On the eve of the State of the Union, one phone call says more about the political divide in our country than any polling memo could.

Fresh off their overtime Olympic victory over Canada, the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team accepted President Trump’s invitation to today’s State of the Union Address during a locker room phone call. When the women’s team was offered the same, there was no patriotic song or excitement, but instead a cold corporate statement declining the offer. (RELATED: U-S-A! U-S-A! Americans Dramatically Win Hockey Gold)

That reaction reveals just how divided our nation is now. What “professional commitments” could be more timely or important than an invitation from the leader of the free world to the State of the Union? Both teams should be standing proud at the White House tonight — regardless of who sits in the Oval Office. Americans shouldn’t need a disclaimer to celebrate a win for their country. But somewhere along the way, we blurred the line between loving your country and supporting a political party.

Over the course of the Winter Games, some Olympians have stepped onto the world stage and used their time in the spotlight to air grievances about the US. If you’re wearing the letters “USA” across your chest, the expectation is simple: Be proud of your country. (RELATED: Olympic Athletes Fail at Their One Job)

That’s the beauty of America. You can disagree with who’s in office and still stand tall under the flag.

That is how someone like Jack Hughes went from an epic overtime score to a cultural icon. It was simple. He was unapologetically American. Proud to wear the jersey. Proud of his team. Proud of his front tooth getting knocked out. That energy resonates with people and is refreshing.

It sounds like 2024 all over again.

That year, Republicans figured something out: Politics equals culture, and culture is about understanding the vibe. The political right gained ground by tapping into new media, music, and the simple idea that it is okay to love your country.

Democrats keep acting surprised that young men drifted right in 2024. They shouldn’t be. Young men want to gravitate toward spaces that feel strong, fun, and proud. They don’t gravitate toward spaces that feel like they’re perpetually being scolded for existing. (RELATED: The Real Divide Isn’t Red v. Blue — It’s Male v. Female)

This is the cultural battle. And it’s why Republicans will outperform and defy conventional midterm wisdom. While consultants are postulating on polls, millions of voters are proudly sharing videos online. They are choosing the side that gives them a sense of hope and pride.

As for me? If invited to the State of the Union, I’d accept without any reservation under any president. And when Speaker Johnson pounds that gavel, I’d be standing there proudly, courtesy of the red, white, and blue.

READ MORE:

U-S-A! U-S-A! Americans Dramatically Win Hockey Gold

Putting Pizazz Into the Winter Olympics

Olympic Athletes Fail at Their One Job

Maria Giannopoulos is a veteran Republican marketer and digital strategist. She is a former tech executive, served as the Marketing and Digital Director for the 2024 Republican National Convention, and is a proud American.